ANKARA, Turkey – Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced early Tuesday that no casualties were reported as a result of the earthquake that struck the Sundırgı district of Balikesir province in western Turkey on Monday evening. The earthquake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale.
The minister explained in a post on his official platform that authorities received 504 reports of material damage, including 25 cases related to building damage. He noted that mosques, gyms, and schools were opened to accommodate those affected. Schools were also suspended for one day across the state as a precautionary measure.
According to the Turkish Disaster Management Authority (AFAD), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. It was felt in major cities, including Istanbul and Izmit. Rescue and emergency teams immediately began assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of infrastructure.
It’s worth noting that this region experienced a similar earthquake last August, resulting in one death and 29 injuries. The recent events bring to mind the devastating earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey in February 2023, which left more than 53,000 dead.
